IMEO Post-Doctoral Methane Science Fellow

Result of Service

The consultant will support IMEO in the characterization of methane emissions by collecting and analyzing field measurement data from different emission sources, obtaining deliverables from the data. These deliverables will be in the form of final data sets as well as peer-reviewed publications. The consultant will improve current understanding of methane emissions through leading and publishing additional studies using in-house and public data.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

211 days over 12 months period, starting from 1 December 2025 through 30 November 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the world's foremost authority on environmental issues, providing leadership and fostering partnerships to promote sustainable development. UNEP inspires and empowers nations and communities to enhance their quality of life while safeguarding the needs of future generations. UNEP hosts the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). IMEO is a data-driven, action-focused UNEP initiative that takes an innovative approach to address the methane emissions problem by collecting, integrating, and reconciling data from different sources, including scientific measurement studies, satellites, rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national inventories. IMEO will create a global public dataset of empirically verified methane emissions, with an initial focus on fossil fuel sources and will interconnect data with actions on research, reporting, and regulation. This will catalyse deep reductions in human-made methane emissions and serve the rapidly growing ecosystem of governments, companies, investors, researchers, NGOs and other entities engaging in this crucial climate challenge. IMEO seeks a methane scientist that will work on collecting and analyzing field measurement data from oil and gas related emission sources. The scientist will work with IMEO's science team, focusing especially on the measurement campaigns. The methane scientist will lead the characterization of methane emissions by collecting and analyzing field measurement data from various (including oil, gas and waste related) emission sources. The scientist will also lead the coordination of major science studies in the field. The consultant will report to the Methane Science Studies Manager.

Qualifications/special skills

PhD in atmospheric science, geology or a related field Experience in leading the coordination of science field campaigns Experience in performing rigorous analysis with short deadlines Expertise in a programming language for analysis of large data sets Strong proficiency in quantitative analysis and knowledge of atmospheric sampling in a field environment Knowledge of the inventories and atmospheric models currently used for emissions estimates

Languages

Not available.

Additional Information

• The consultant will provide scientific leadership for IMEO's methane characterization efforts by taking primary responsibility for the collection, advanced analysis, and interpretation of complex field measurement data. The role is accountable for delivering high-impact scientific outputs, including peer-reviewed publications where the consultant acts as a lead author, and curated final data sets for integration into IMEO's global platform. lead the analysis and writing of scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, serving as the lead author on key manuscripts.
• Drive the design, planning and execution of IMEO's methane measurement campaigns, providing technical direction and oversight.
• Perform and advance the analysis and interpretation of the measurement data sets, including emission flux model analyses. Methane Science Studies:
• Lead the preparation and writing of scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, participating at least in one as lead author. Acting as a Science Coordinator on designated projects, providing independent scientific oversight, managing collaborations, and ensuring the technical rigor and timely delivery of external partners' work.
• Organize and analyze activity data from industry for interpretation of measurement data
• Contribute to data collection on the field, joining IMEO funded campaigns
• Conduct emission flux model analyses.
• Review new project proposals for the waste sector
• Support IMEO's strategy for the waste sector through the analysis and interpretation of currently available data, as well as structuring it in a measurement database for this sector Other engagement:
• Provide expert scientific input and technical guidanceto other IMEO methane emissions project efforts when needed.
• Lead specific components of IMEO's data integration efforts, ensuring the scientific integrity of combined data streams.Represent IMEO as a subject matter expert, presenting scientific and policy-relevant findings to internal committees and at major international conferences.. Oversee the curation and delivery of finalized, publication-ready data sets from measurement campaigns for internal and public use. Performance indicators will be the following:
• The effectiveness and management of the work
• Delivery and quality of the key deliverables.
• Speediness and quality of emails and communications with UNEP staff. The consultant will be in close consultation with the UN Environment Programme Paris Office. The outputs need to be accepted by the UNEP to be considered satisfactory.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.